JAKARTA: A transgender TikToker in Indonesia received nearly three years in prison for remarks about Jesus that sparked controversy.
Social Media Incident
Ratu Thalisa, a transgender influencer, made comments about Jesus’ hair.
She responded to a viewer’s suggestion to cut her own hair.
Thalisa compared her appearance to Jesus in a live broadcast.
She held up a picture of Christ while making her remarks.
Her comments led to accusations of hate speech.
Legal Action Taken
Five Christian groups reported her to Indonesian authorities.
She was arrested six days after the live stream.
A North Sumatra court found her guilty of blasphemy.
She was sentenced under Indonesia’s Electronic Information and Transactions (EIT) law.
Her sentence includes two years and ten months in jail.
Financial Penalty
Thalisa was also fined around $6,200.
Failure to pay could result in additional jail time.
The court ruled her statements disrupted public order.
Officials argued her remarks harmed religious harmony.
Rights groups called the punishment excessive.
Amnesty International’s Response
Amnesty International condemned the sentence.
They called it a violation of free speech.
Director Usman Hamid criticized the use of blasphemy laws.
He said Thalisa’s remarks did not incite violence.
He urged Indonesia to reform its EIT law.
Blasphemy Laws in Indonesia
Indonesia frequently prosecutes blasphemy cases.
Most cases involve insults to Islam.
Over 560 people faced EIT-related charges since 2019.
Convictions often lead to prison sentences.
Religious minorities are particularly affected.
Other Notable Cases
Lina Lutfiawati was jailed for eating pork.
She posted a video reciting an Islamic prayer before eating.
She received two years in prison in 2023.
Jakarta’s former governor Ahok was also convicted.
He served two years for referencing a Quran verse.
Religious Landscape in Indonesia
Indonesia has the world’s largest Muslim population.
At least 93% of adults identify as Muslim.
Religious conservatism is rising in the country.
Laws are increasingly used against minority groups.
Critics warn of growing repression of free speech.
